Anatomically shaped sectional matrix band retainers

ABSTRACT

The invention comprises improved matrix band retainers for use in dental procedures. The matrix band retainers comprise a pair of tines that are anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces between teeth for holding a matrix band in proper alignment during a dental filling procedure and for keeping the matrix band retainer from slipping out of position. The tines may be curved and/or include a wedge-shaped portion to facilitate insertion of the tines into the interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth. The matrix band retainers also comprise two apertures that are configured in size and shape to receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp or other tine-spreading device for enabling the rubber dam clamp to spread the tines of the matrix band retainer in a safe and secure manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is in the field of matrix band retainersfor use in dental procedures. In particular, the present inventionrelates to matrix band retainers that are configured to be inserted intothe interproximal spaces between teeth to hold a matrix band in properplacement during dental filling procedures. More particularly, thematrix band retainers of the present invention are preferablyanatomically configured to conform to the shape of teeth.

[0003] 2. The Prior State of the Art

[0004] In the field of dentistry, dental practitioners often treatpatients who have developed cavities in a tooth. In order to treatcavities the dental practitioner removes the infected portion of thetooth and then deposits a filling material such as a composite, aresinous material, or an amalgam into the tooth preparation.

[0005] During the dental filling procedure, a matrix band is typicallyplaced against the side of the tooth to approximately define the desiredshape of the restored tooth and to keep the filling material fromflowing beyond the desired tooth boundary. A matrix band typicallycomprises a thin metallic or plastic strip that is flexible and can bebent around the tooth being restored. The matrix band is particularlyuseful because it provides form for the desired shape of the resultantfilling. However, if the matrix band is not properly held in place thentoo much or too little filling material may be deposited into the toothpreparation, thereby distorting the configuration of the restored tooth.

[0006] An improper filling can lead to dental discomfort, misalignedteeth, capture of food particles, infections, and other dental problems.To avoid these problems and to fix a distorted dental filling, it may benecessary to grind or drill the filling material down to the propershape. It is desirable, however, to avoid this process because itincreases the time and cost of performing the filling procedure and cancreate anxiety and discomfort for the patient.

[0007] In order to place the matrix band into a desired placement, it issometimes necessary to separate the teeth by placing small dental wedgesin the interproximal spaces between the teeth. One inherent problem withthe use of matrix bands and dental wedges, however, is that they aresusceptible to moving and slipping out from between the teeth. In anattempt to avoid this problem, dental practitioners have used clamps,commonly known as matrix band retainers, to hold the matrix band anddental wedges in place during the filling procedure.

[0008] Conventional matrix band retainers consist of a rigid,cylindrical wire bent so as to have a generally circular body and one oftwo generally straight tines extending perpendicularly from each end ofthe circular body. During use, the tines are spread open and placed inthe interproximal spaces between the tooth being repaired and anadjacent tooth. One problem with such matrix band retainers is that thetines do not anatomically conform to the shape of the teeth. Thisresults in inadequate retention of the matrix band such that the matrixband in an anatomically correct conformation. In addition, such matrixbands can easily slip out of position.

[0009] Another problem concerns the initial placement of theconventional matrix band retainer. The flexible frame or body ofconventional matrix band retainers is typically a rigid, cylindricalwire that has been bent to have a generally circular configuration. Therigidity of the wire helps create a strong, spring-like action. It also,however, makes it difficult to spread the tines apart by hand.

[0010] To provide additional leverage to spread the tines apart,conventional rubber dam clamps may be used to spread the tines byflexing or bending the flexible frame or body of the matrix bandretainer. Although rubber dam clamps can be used to spread the tinesapart, existing matrix band retainers are not specifically configured toreceive the prongs of the rubber dam clamp. Accordingly, the use of arubber dam clamp to spread the tines can be unsafe. For example, it hasbeen found that the matrix band retainer can slip off the prongs of therubber dam clamp, making the procedure both difficult and unsafe.

[0011] Accordingly, there is currently a need in the art for improvedmatrix band retainers that are configured to better fit within theinterproximal spaces between teeth so as to better hold matrix bands indesired and proper placement during dental procedures. It would also bedesirable to provide improved matrix band retainers that arespecifically configured to more securely and reliably receive the prongsof a conventional rubber dam clamp or other spreading tool. Suchimproved matrix band retainers are disclosed and claimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to improved matrix bandretainers for use in dental filling procedures. The matrix bandretainers of the invention comprise tines that are anatomicallyconfigured in size and shape to better fit within the interproximalspaces between teeth for providing increased contact with the surfacesagainst which the matrix band retainer is placed. Such matrix bands arebetter able to retain a matrix band in an anatomically correctconfiguration during a dental filling procedure. The matrix bandretainers of the invention are also specifically configured to moresecurely receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp for spreading thetines of the matrix band retainer in a safe and secure manner.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the matrix bandretainer comprises two tines that are connected to an arcuate membercomprising stainless spring steel. Each tine comprises a curved and/orwedge-shaped body that is anatomically configured to be inserted intothe interproximal spaces between teeth.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the tines are curved so as to approximatethe curvature of teeth, typically molars or bicuspids. In this manner,each tine provides an anatomical bearing surface that urges the matrixband to better conform to the shape of the tooth being restored,particularly, the outer curved surface of the tooth.

[0015] In the same or alternative embodiment, the tines may beapproximately wedge-shaped so that an acutely angled edge portion ofeach tine can be inserted more deeply into the correspondinginterproximal space between the tooth being filled and an adjacenttooth. The acutely angled edge portion is generally defined by a pair ofopposing sides that intersect at a predetermined edge angle. Thepredetermined edge angle between the sides is preferably within therange of about 30° to about 90°, with a more preferred range of about45° to about 75°, and a most preferred angle of about 60°.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible member alsocomprises means for securely receiving the prongs of a rubber dam clamp.An example of such means is a pair of apertures extending through thebody member. During use, the prongs of a rubber dam clamp are insertedinto the apertures and a spreading force is applied with the rubber damclamp, causing the member to flex outwardly and the tines to spreadapart. Once the tines are sufficiently spread apart they are placed intothe interproximal spaces between the matrix band and adjacent tooth. Therubber dam clamp is removed and the spring-back force of the arcuatemember effectively holds the matrix band in an appropriate placement forproviding form for receiving a dental filling.

[0017] One benefit of the invention is that it generally enables thetines of the matrix band retainer to be spread apart with a rubber damclamp in a safe and secure manner. The invention also generally providestines that are anatomically configured to be more easily inserted intothe interproximal spaces between teeth for providing increased contactbetween a matrix band and the tooth being filled so as to urge thematrix band into a more anatomically correct configuration, whilereducing the likelihood that the matrix band retainer will slip out ofits holding position.

[0018] These and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by practicing the invention as setforth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A more extensive description of the present invention, includingthe above-recited features and advantages, will be rendered withreference to the specific embodiments that are illustrated in theappended drawings. Because these drawings depict only exemplaryembodiments, the drawings should not be construed as imposing anylimitation on the present invention's scope. As such, the presentinvention will be described and explained with additional specificityand detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020]FIG. 1A is a side view of a tooth having a cavity and two adjacentteeth;

[0021]FIG. 1B is a top view of the tooth of FIG. 1A and two adjacentteeth;

[0022]FIG. 1C is a top view of the tooth of FIG. 1A with a hollowed outdental preparation existing in the general area of the cavity of FIG. 1Band a matrix band placed between the tooth having the dental preparationand an adjacent tooth;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the a matrixband retainer of the invention that includes two tines having curved andwedge-shaped bodies which are connected by a flexible member;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the matrix band retainerof the invention that includes two apertures that are configured toreceive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the matrix bandretainer of the invention that comprises two tines that each have acurved body;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of the matrix bandretainer of the invention that comprises two tines, each having a curvedbody and a protruding foot which generally points towards the foot ofthe alternate tine;

[0027]FIG. 6 is front view of two teeth and two tines positioned in theinterproximal spaces between the teeth;

[0028]FIG. 7A is a top view of one embodiment of the tine of the matrixband retainer of the invention that has a cross-sectional arearesembling a right triangle that is inserted within the interproximalspace between two adjacent teeth;

[0029]FIG. 7B is a top view of one embodiment of the tine of the matrixband retainer of the invention that has a cross-sectional arearesembling an equilateral triangle that is inserted within theinterproximal space between two adjacent teeth;

[0030]FIG. 7C is a top view of one embodiment of the tine of the matrixband retainer of the invention that has a cross-sectional arearesembling a cone that is inserted within the interproximal spacebetween two adjacent teeth; and

[0031]FIG. 7D is a top view of one embodiment of the tine of the matrixband retainer of the invention that has a cross-sectional arearesembling a square that is inserted within the interproximal spacebetween two adjacent teeth; and

[0032]FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the matrix band retainer ofthe invention positioned about two teeth with the tines of the matrixband retainer inserted within the interproximal spaces between theteeth, while holding a matrix band in place against one of the teeththat has a hollow dental preparation suitable for receiving a fillingmaterial.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present invention relates to improved matrix band retainersfor use in dental filling procedures. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to matrix band retainers having tines that areanatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spacesbetween teeth for holding a matrix band in proper placement against atooth receiving a dental filling. The matrix band retainers of theinvention are also preferably configured to receive the prongs of arubber dam clamp for spreading the tines in a safe and secure manner.

[0034] In order to clarify and define the terms that are used in thepresent application, FIGS. 1A-1C are provided. FIG. 1A shows a side viewof a tooth 10 having a cavity 12 and adjacent teeth 14 and 16. As shown,an interproximal space 30 exists between tooth 10 and each of theadjacent teeth 14 and 16. The term “interproximal space,” as usedherein, should be generally construed to include any space between twoadjacent teeth, including spaces existing proximate the gingiva, lingualsurfaces, buccal surfaces, labial surfaces, and any other space existingbetween two adjacent teeth.

[0035]FIG. 1B shows a top view of the teeth of FIG. 1A. As shown, aninterproximal space 30 exists between tooth 10 and each of the adjacentteeth 14 and 16.

[0036]FIG. 1C illustrates a dental preparation or hollow 32 formedwithin tooth 10. Dental preparation 32 is created by removing portionsof tooth 10 with a drill or another suitable device. Typically, a dentalpreparation is formed to remove infected and damaged portions of atooth, such as cavity 12 of FIG. 1B. Once a dental preparation isformed, a matrix band is placed against the tooth for providing form forreceiving a filling material within the dental preparation. FIG. 1Cillustrates how a matrix band 34 might be placed between two adjacentteeth in preparation for receiving a dental filling. In order to placematrix band 34, conventional dental wedges (not shown) may optionally beused to further separate teeth 10 and 14 if needed. The matrix bandretainers of the present invention may be used to retain any thin,flexible matrix band in place in a more anatomically correct fashion.Anatomical matrix bands that better conform to the shape of teeth areset forth in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No., ______ filed Apr. 19,2001 and entitled “Anatomically Contoured Matrix Bands for Use in DentalRestoration Procedures”. For purposes of disclosure, the foregoingapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] Although dental filling procedures requiring the use of matrixband retainers are generally limited to the restoration of bicuspids andmolars, it should be appreciated that the present invention is notlimited to any particular dental procedure nor to the application of adental procedure to any particular type of tooth.

[0038] Turning now to FIG. 2, one presently preferred embodiment of amatrix band retainer 40 of the invention is illustrated. As shown, afirst tine 50 and a second tine 60 are connected together by a flexibleand resilient arcuate member, designated as member 70. The first andsecond tines 50 and 60 comprise proximal ends 52 and 62, respectively,which are attached to member 70, and opposing distal ends 54 and 64,respectively. The first and second tines 50 and 60 also comprise bodies56 and 66 that extend between proximal ends 52 and 62 and distal ends 54and 64, respectively.

[0039] In one embodiment, member 70 and tines 50 and 60 are formed byshaping a single piece of generally rigid wire. In one presentlypreferred embodiment, matrix band retainer 40 comprises stainless springsteel for providing member 70 with flexibility and resiliency. It shouldbe appreciated, however, that any appropriate material can be used toform matrix band retainer 40 and corresponding components. Suitablematerials can include metals, plastics, and flexible ceramics. In thepresent embodiment, member 70 also comprises twisted segments 72 and 74which are formed by twisting tines 50 and 60 perpendicular to member 70during manufacture of the matrix band retainer 40.

[0040] Member 70 also preferably comprises two apertures 76 and 78 whichextend completely through member 70. In one preferred embodiment,apertures 76 and 78 are rounded and are specifically configured in sizeand shape to receive the prongs of a rubber dam clamp. During use, theprongs of a rubber dam clamp are inserted into apertures 76 and 78 and aspreading force is applied with the rubber dam clamp that forces member70 to bend outwardly, causing tines 50 and 60 to spread apart. Oncetines 50 and 60 are sufficiently spread apart they can be inserted intothe interproximal spaces existing between a tooth and a matrix band forholding the matrix band in proper placement for receiving a dentalfilling, as will be shown and described in reference to FIGS. 6 thru 7D.

[0041]FIG. 3 is a top view of a matrix band retainer according to thepresent embodiment. As shown, member 70 has a generally curved shape andresembles a C-ring. This is merely illustrative, however, and should notbe construed as a limitation. In particular, member 70 can embodyvirtually any shape so long as it is appropriately configured for use indental procedures and provides the desired spring-back force. Forexample, in one alternative embodiment, member 70 comprises asubstantially rectilinear shape.

[0042]FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the matrix bandretainer of the invention in which tines 50 and 60 comprise curvedbodies 56 and 66, respectively. The curvature of tine bodies 56 and 66is formed by bending tines 50 and 60 during a manufacturing process. Theexact radius of the curvature can be predetermined and may vary from oneembodiment to another for enabling the matrix band retainer to conformto the size and shape of different teeth. It should also be appreciatedthat the radius of curvature of tine body 56 can vary from the radius ofcurvature of tine body 66. In one presently preferred embodiment,however, the radius of curvature for each of the tine bodies 56 and 66is the same and is approximately ½ inch. The curvature of tine bodies 56and 66 is such that when tines 50 and 60 are inserted in theinterproximal spaces between teeth, proximal and distal ends 52, 62, 54,and 64 make contact with the surfaces against which the tines 50 and 60are placed. It should be appreciated that curved tines 50 and 60 moreclosely approximate the tooth anatomy than do straight tines. Becausetines 50 and 60 are curved, they are able to tightly wrap around theteeth against which they are placed, thereby holding the matrix bandretainer in place and urging the matrix band into a more anatomicallycorrect configuration against the side of the tooth being restored.

[0043] The shape and size of the tines can vary to accommodate theanatomical shape of any tooth. In some instances, the base of theexposed tooth, near the gingiva, is recessed significantly. In theseinstances, for example, the distal end of the tine may optionally beconfigured with a protruding foot, as illustrated in FIG. 5, forproviding additional contact with the tooth surface against which thetine is placed.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, distal ends 54 and 64 include feet 54B and64B, respectively. Feet 54B and 64B extend away from their respectivedistal ends 54 and 64 towards the alternate distal end 54 or 64. Theconfiguration of feet 54B and 64B and the curvature of the tine bodies56 and 66 generally approximate the anatomical shape of theinterproximal spaces between teeth, such that when tines 50 and 60 areinserted into interproximal spaces, feet 54B and 64B and bodies 56 and66 make contact with matrix band and tooth surfaces from within theinterproximal spaces between the teeth. This feature of the invention isuseful because it substantially secures the matrix band retainer in thelatitudinal direction, reducing the likelihood that the matrix bandretainer will slip out of place, and enables the matrix band retainer tourge the matrix band into an anatomically correct configuration againstthe surface of the tooth that is being restored during the dentalfilling procedure.

[0045]FIG. 6 further illustrates how the tines of the matrix bandretainer of the invention are anatomically configured to be insertedinto the interproximal spaces between teeth. By way of comparison, astraight tine 86 and a curved tine 88 are placed in interproximal spaces30 between tooth 10 and adjacent tooth 14. Like most bicuspids andmolars, teeth 10 and 14 have profiles that are generally rounded andtrapezoidal.

[0046] Curved tine 88, which is one embodiment of the tine of the matrixband retainer of the invention, is curved so as to be anatomicallyconfigured to the shape of the interproximal spaces 30 between teeth 10and 14. As shown, curved tine 88 makes contact with the surface of tooth10 over a region that substantially extends the entire length of curvedtine 88. Contact region 92 shows the region of contact that curved tine88 makes with tooth 10. Curved tine 88 also makes similar contact withadjacent tooth 14. When a matrix band is placed between curved tine 88and tooth 10 then curved tine 88 urges the matrix band into ananatomically correct configuration against the surface of tooth 10 forproviding form for receiving a dental filling.

[0047] Straight tine 86, which is another embodiment of the tine of thematrix band retainer of the invention, has a cross-sectional area thatis anatomically configured to be inserted into the interproximal spaces30 between teeth 10 and 14. The cross-sectional shape of straight tine86 is generally wedge-shaped and enables straight tine 86 to be insertedsecurely into the interproximal spaces between teeth.

[0048] FIGS. 7A-7D show four embodiments of the tine of the matrix bandretainer of the invention in which each of the tines 100, 110, 120, and130 is configured with a wedge-shaped body.

[0049]FIG. 7A illustrates a tine 100 comprising a cross-sectional areathat generally resembles a right triangle. An acutely angled edge 132 oftine 100 exists between contact surfaces 136 and 138 and has an angle isdefined by the orientation of contact surfaces 136 and 138. According tothis embodiment, acutely angled edge 132 has an angle 134 of about 30°.The term “about”, as used in the specification and appended claims, isgenerally defined as ±10°.

[0050] Contact surface 136 is biased against the surface of tooth 10while contact surface 138 is biased against the surface of matrix band140. It should be appreciated that the wedge-shaped body of tine 100enables contact surfaces 136 and 138 to make better contact with thesurfaces of matrix band 140 and tooth 10 then they could make if tine100 were round. Tine 100 is a practical embodiment for use incircumstances when the interproximal spaces between teeth are narrow anddeep.

[0051]FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of the tine of the presentinvention. As shown, tine 11O has a cross-sectional area approximatingan equilateral triangle. An acutely angled edge 142 of tine 110 existsbetween contact surfaces 146 and 148. In this embodiment, acutely anglededge 142 has an angle 144 of about 60°. Contact surface 146 is biasedagainst the surface of tooth 1O while contact surface 148 is biasedagainst the surface of matrix band 140. Tine 110 is a practicalembodiment for use in circumstances when the interproximal spacesbetween teeth are shallow and wide.

[0052] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7C, tine 120 has across-sectional area that is substantially triangular and resembles acone with rounded backside 150. An acutely angled edge 152 of tine 120exists between contact surfaces 156 and 158. In this embodiment, acutelyangled edge 152 has an angle 154 of about 60°. Contact surface 156 isbiased against the surface of tooth 10 while contact surface 158 isbiased against the surface of matrix band 160. This embodiment ispreferred in some circumstances because the rounded backside 150 of tine120 provides a smooth surface against which the patient's tongue orcheek can come in contact without becoming agitated.

[0053] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7D, tine 130 has asquare cross-sectional area. An acutely angled edge 162 of tine 130exists between contact surfaces 166 and 168. According to thisembodiment, acutely angled edge 162 has an angle 164 of 90°. Contactsurface 166 is biased against the surface of tooth 10 while contactsurface 168 is biased against the surface of matrix band 140. Thisembodiment may be preferred for manufacturing reasons.

[0054] It should be appreciated that because the wedge-shaped design ofthe tines shown in FIGS. 7A-7D enables the tines to be inserted deepinto the interproximal spaces between the teeth, thereby securing thematrix band retainer in the latitudinal direction. The predeterminededge angle formed by the junction of the contact surfaces of thewedge-shaped tine is preferably within the range of about 30° to about90°, with a more preferred range of about 45° to about 75°, and a mostpreferred angle of about 60°.

[0055] The wedge-shaped tine is also useful for providing flat contactsurfaces that frictionally engage the surfaces against which the tine isplaced, thereby keeping the matrix band retainer in a desired position,without slipping, and urging the matrix band to conform to the shape ofthe tooth against which it is placed. In other embodiments, not shown,the contact surfaces comprise contours that better approximate thegenerally round circumference of a tooth and provide even morefrictional contact and holding capabilities.

[0056] It should be appreciated that although the tines have been shownin certain embodiments to comprise specific shapes that the tines of thematrix band retainer of the present invention are not limited to anypredefined shape. Instead, the tines can comprise any shape that isconfigured to conform to the anatomical shape of teeth and to beinserted into the interproximal spaces between teeth. In someembodiments, this is accomplished by providing tines that are curved. Inother embodiments, this is accomplished by providing tines that arewedge-shaped. In yet other embodiments, this is accomplished byproviding tines that are both curved and wedge-shaped.

[0057] Although certain figures of the application illustrate tines ofthe matrix band retainer inserted within the interproximal spacesbetween teeth comprising bicuspids and molars, it should be appreciatedthat the invention is not limited to the practice of dental proceduresto any particular type of tooth. Accordingly, the tines of the matrixband retainer of the invention can also be appropriately configured toconform to the anatomical shape of the interproximal spaces betweencuspids, laterals, and centrals.

[0058] Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that references totines of the matrix band retainer being inserted into the interproximalspaces between a matrix band and an adjacent tooth are only illustrativeand not restrictive. In particular, the tines of the matrix bandretainer of the invention can be placed into the interproximal spacesbetween two adjacent matrix bands, or between a tooth and a dentalwedge, or between a dental wedge and a matrix band, or between twodental wedges, or between any combination of the foregoing and any otherdevice that is used for dental procedures involving the use of a matrixband retainer.

[0059] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, matrix band retainer 40 can alsobe used to hold a matrix band 170 in a desired placement against a tooth180 for providing form for filling a hollow dental preparation 172 witha filling material. According to the present embodiment, tines 50 and 60of matrix band retainer 40 are both curved and wedge-shaped. As shown,tines 50 and 60 are inserted within the interproximal spaces betweenteeth 180 and 190. From this position, tines 50 and 60 apply a directcontact force to matrix band 170, thereby holding matrix band 170 in adesired placement.

[0060] The invention, as it has been described herein, generally enablesa matrix band retainer to be conformingly inserted into theinterproximal spaces between teeth. The invention also enables the tinesof the matrix band retainer to be spread apart by using a rubber damclamp in a secure and safe manner. It should be appreciated that thesebenefits of the invention are advantages over the prior art.

[0061] It should also be appreciated that the present invention may beembodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. As properly understood, the preceding description ofspecific embodiments is illustrative only and in no way restrictive. Thescope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claimsas follows.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. An apparatus for retaining a matrix band against a toothcomprising: a flexible member, and first and second tines connected bythe flexible member, wherein each of said first and second tinescomprises at least one of a curved body or a wedge-shaped body in orderto facilitate retention of a matrix band within the interproximal spacesbetween a pair of adjacent teeth.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein each of said first and second tines comprises a curved body,said body extending between a proximal end and a distal end.
 3. Anapparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said first and secondtines comprises a wedge-shaped body having an angled edge portion thatis oriented so as to be inserted into the interproximal spaces betweenthe pair of adjacent teeth, said angled edge portion having an angle inthe range of about 30° to about 90°.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim3, wherein the wedge-shaped body comprises a substantially triangularcross-sectional area.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein theflexible member comprises two apertures extending therethrough, andwherein each of said apertures is configured to receive a prong of atool that is used to bend the flexible member, such that the toolspreads the first and second tines apart.
 6. An apparatus as defined inclaim 5, wherein said tool is a rubber dam clamp.
 7. An apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises stainlessspring steel.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the distalend of at least one of either said first and second tines furthercomprises a foot.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein thefoot protrudes away from the at least one of either the first and secondtines towards the distal end of the other of the first or second tines.10. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the flexible membercomprises an arcuate member.
 11. An apparatus as defined in claim 2,wherein said first and second tines are positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the flexible member.
 12. An apparatus for retaining amatrix band against a tooth comprising: a flexible memberinterconnecting a first tine and a second tine, each of said first andsecond tines comprising a wedge-shaped body having an acutely-anglededge portion oriented so as to facilitate insertion of the wedge-shapedbody into interproximal spaces between two adjacent teeth.
 13. Anapparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein each tine is further curved soas to more closely approximate the anatomy of the two adjacent teeth.14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said flexible membercomprises two apertures extending through the flexible member, andwherein each of said two apertures is configured to receive a prong of atool that is used bend the flexible member to increase a distanceseparating the first tine from the second tine.
 15. An apparatus asdefined in claim 12, wherein the acutely-angled portion has an angle ina range of about 30° to about 90°.
 16. An apparatus for retaining amatrix band against a tooth comprising: a flexible member; first andsecond tines extending from the flexible member, each of said tinesincluding: a proximal end connected to the flexible member; a distal endopposite the proximal end; and a curved body extending between theproximal and distal ends, said curved body being sized and shaped toapproximately conform to the shape of interproximal spaces between twoadjacent teeth.
 17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein thecurved body of each of said first and second tines further includes awedge-shaped cross-sectional area oriented to facilitate insertion ofthe curved body into the interproximal spaces.
 18. An apparatus asdefined in claim 17, wherein the wedge-shaped cross-sectional areaincludes an angled edge having an angle in a range of about 30° to about90°.
 19. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said flexiblemember comprises two apertures extending through the flexible memberspaced and configured so as to receive corresponding prongs of atine-spreading device.
 20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, whereinthe tine-spreading device is a rubber dam clamp.